Selling Perfume in Australia: AICIS Registration and Ingredient Labeling

The framework in brief

AICIS: registering as an introducer

Under the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019, a business that imports or manufactures industrial chemicals — including chemicals in cosmetics such as perfume — is an "introducer", and section 13 of the Act requires introducers to be registered. Importing finished perfume is an introduction of the chemicals in it. Registration is renewed each registration year; AICIS publishes the current year's dates, charges and declaration deadlines.

Every introduction must also be authorized by fitting one of the Act's categories (sections 24–30):

• Listed — the chemical is on the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals, within any conditions of its listing.
• Exempted — very low risk introductions meeting the criteria in the rules.
• Reported — low risk introductions that need a report to AICIS before or after introduction, depending on the case.
• Assessed — higher risk introductions that need an AICIS assessment certificate first.
• Commercial evaluation and exceptional circumstances introductions, which are narrow.

For a perfume, that means knowing the chemicals in your fragrance — at least to the extent needed to show each is listed or otherwise authorized. A fragrance supplier that will not disclose its formula may provide the categorization information or a statement for you; agree this before the first shipment. AICIS has specific guidance on fragrance and flavor blends and low-volume introductions; read it rather than relying on summaries. Composition records are the starting point (raw material documentation, material names and CAS numbers).

The Act also bans relying on animal test data to determine the category of chemicals introduced for use in cosmetics, with exceptions (section 103); see vegan and cruelty-free claims.

The ingredient list

The Consumer Goods (Cosmetics) Information Standard 2020 applies to cosmetics made in Australia for use there and to imported cosmetics, if made after the end of a 180-day transition from November 25, 2020. Free samples and testers are excluded, and so are therapeutic goods. Its main rules:

• Ingredients are listed on the container (or on the product, if there is no container) in descending order by volume or mass.
• Alternatively: ingredients at 1% or more in descending order, then ingredients under 1% in any order, then color additives in any order.
• If size, shape or nature make that impossible, the list must be shown in another way that informs the consumer.
• Fragrance may be shown as "fragrance", "fragrances", "parfum" or "parfums" — or by listing its ingredients. Flavor likewise as "flavour" or "aroma".
• Names must be English names or INCI names; a list in another language may be added. The list must be prominent and clearly legible.
• Incidental ingredients with no technical effect need not be listed.
• A manufacturer or importer may apply to the Minister to show an ingredient as an "other ingredient" where naming it would reveal a trade secret and it is unlikely to harm consumers.

The standard does not itself require individual fragrance allergens to be named. A brand that also sells in the EU, the UK or Canada will usually print one list that meets the strictest of them; see perfume ingredient labeling and perfume label requirements.

Other points to check

• Net quantity. Packaged goods must state their measurement under Australia's trade measurement law.
• Scheduled substances. Some substances are listed in the Poisons Standard, which can carry labeling or packaging requirements at certain concentrations. Check your materials if you use unusual naturals or high levels of a single material.
• Claims. "Natural", "organic", "vegan" and "cruelty-free" claims are judged under the Australian Consumer Law against misleading conduct; see natural perfume claims.
• Transport. Alcohol perfume is a flammable liquid for shipping; see how to ship perfume and perfume flash point.
• IFRA. Australia's law does not incorporate the IFRA Standards, but your suppliers, retailers and safety reviewer will expect them (IFRA Standards explained).

A first-shipment checklist

• AICIS registration in place for the importing business, for the current registration year.
• Each chemical in each product categorized, with records — including the fragrance, with the supplier's support.
• Labels with a compliant ingredient list, net quantity, and no therapeutic claims.
• Safety information for the product kept on file; the IFRA certificate for the fragrance.
• Transport documents for a flammable liquid.

This is general information, not legal advice, and it reflects the texts read in October 2026. Other markets are compared in perfume regulations by market.

Sources

• Federal Register of Legislation — Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 (compilation October 2024): section 13 (introducers must be registered), sections 24–30 (categories of introduction), section 103; read October 11, 2026.
• Federal Register of Legislation — Consumer Goods (Cosmetics) Information Standard 2020 (F2020L01469), sections 5–9; read October 11, 2026.
• AICIS — Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (registration, categorization guidance; link format — the site blocked automated reading).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need AICIS registration to sell a few bottles online to Australian customers?

If you are the importer — the business bringing the product into Australia — the Act's registration duty applies to you. Who the importer is for a direct online sale can depend on the arrangement; check AICIS's guidance or take advice before selling.

Do I have to list fragrance allergens on the label in Australia?

The 2020 information standard allows the fragrance to be listed as "fragrance" or "parfum". Many brands list EU-declarable allergens anyway because they use one label for several markets.

Is there a product registration like the EU's CPNP?

No product-by-product cosmetic notification is required. The duties attach to the business (AICIS registration and categorization) and to the label.